Chapter 1: My Best (Boy)Friend
"Hey, stop it!" I, Leigh Fritzgerald, scolded at my best friend, Bob Moffatt, as he pinched me on my left cheek. It was a beautiful Wednesday morning and as usual, we were taking the route to school.
"What can I say? I can't help it! You're so cute!" Bob teased me back.
"That's not cool," I told him back. "So, back off, Duke!" I teased him with his nickname.
Actually, Bob isn't really a bad guy. He's been my neighbor and friend ever since we're still egg and sperm.
"I'm sorry, Leigh, it's just that I like pinching your rosy cheek, and I know that you know that," he looked at me. "Will you forgive me?" he pleaded.
I rolled my eyes "Well, let me think about that."
"Please?"he bended on his knees.
"Oh, ok, ok," I looked up. "Just stop that pinching thing, you know that I hate that," I shot back.
"All right!" Bob stood and kissed my cheek. "That's my girl!"
I was kind of surprised when he kissed me on my cheek but then again, he didn't notice, so, I shook the thought. What in the world? He's my friend? Right? So, why bother maliciously?
"Peace?" Bob returned me to reality.
"Ok, peace,"I replied silently.
"But you know, you're still cute to me," Bob continued as he walked past me.
"Oh, come on, please don't start again," I said, rolling my eyeballs.
"All right, all right! Sorry!" Bob smirked. "But you're still cute as..."
I looked at him, with my eyebrow's up.
"...my drumsticks!" he finished for me.
"Argh! Bob!" I shouted back and slapped him on the arm. He ran as fast as he could, so, I ran up to him. We chased each other, down the block, like crazy.
I know it was a compliment of him to see me as cute but as cute as his drumsticks?! Uh-oh, never mind. It's just that I don't agree with that, but I'm not as thin as those sticks. And to top it all of, I don't see myself cute. With short curly hair and fair complexion? Who could call me that cute?
As for Bob, in case you never know, he's kinda tall for me and sort of 'lanky' (sorry), but I think he's also one of those greatest dummers in the world for me, yeah, coz he's my best friend. He lives with his stepmom, Shiela, father Frank, and older brother Scott (who's already 17), and his co-triplet brothers, Clint (older to him by 2 min.), and Dave (younger to him by 2 min.). But the real identical ones were Clint and Bob. It was kinda funny, you know, but I can manage. I know Bob. And isn't it way cool? These brothers perform and call themselves The Moffatts?Well, so much for them, anyway.
Then, finally, I caught up with him. I gripped one part of his shirt and pulled him close to me. We stared at each other, face to face. I kind of looked shocked. We became silent.
"Well?" Bob finally said with an awkward smile.
"Never mind,"and pulled him back.
"What's the matter? Afraid to speak?" Bob asked. As a part of growing up, I got this tomboyish attitude. But I think I have changed.
"No," I snapped back, walking past him.
He was known to be a gentleman but for me, at this day, he's acting like a jerk.
"Well," I answered sternly, as we reached the school grounds. "Never mind."
"Sorry, ok? I just wanted to, you know, play games with you again, just like old times," Bob looked at me.
Yeah, right. I thought. As if I wanted to.
"Peace again?" he offered his right hand.
"Ok, peace," I just shook his hand and then, the bell rang.
"Well, see yah after lunch near the tree?" Bob asked. "I have some news for you."
"Ok," I just waved back as I walked past the crowded hallway to my homeroom. I wonder what's the news all about? But as for me, this surely is another day to start!
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After lunch, Bob and I met near by the oak tree. It was our usual fave hang out spot during Wednesdays and Fridays. During those days, we have only 1 hour free time after school lunch. We could do whatever we want. Thank God the school PTA approved with that coz it's better than sitting an hour on a class, stomach full and sleepy. Atleast 3 days of school were left for after lunch classes.
"So, what's with news? Good or bad?" I sat beside him at the blanket we always lay down there.
"Well," Bob sat. "It's not really that bad but it's good. You have to guess first."
"I have no clue," looking at him with a questioning stare.
"Ok, ok," Bob held up his hands. "It's truly amazing. I heard..."
I cutted, "Oops,what's with the 'I heard' thing?" This should be good.I said to myself.
"Ok, I heard Ray Mulik said you're beautiful," Bob said atlast. He had this big grin on his face. "And he said, he's gonna ask you out, one of these days."
I should have known.Get real.I thought. I should have been awed but I'm not amazed. Ok, a little.
"Well?" Bob asked, expecting me to answer.
"What 'well?'. You're kidding, right?" I laughed at his joke. "Is this some kind of your weird joke, again, Bob?"
"No," Bob shook his head. "Why? I'm serious."
"You mean, Ray Mulik, the Sky's Star MVP, as in, Ray- The Star Quarterback? Ray Mulik Simon, goin' to ask me out?" I freaked out.
"Yeah, what's wrong with that?" Bob asked. "I mean, he said you're beautiful and that's what I heard at the gym during PE class."
I can't believe it. "Are you eavesdropping or something?" I asked him.
"No, I'm not!" Bob protested. "I mean, don't you get it?"
"What?"
"Now, you have to believe me that someone's admiring you... all the while," Bob replied. "I mean, Ray Simon, has this crush on you. He even said as he shoot the ball on the basket, 'This one's for Leigh'. I mean, I should have heard him right, right? But I think you're the only Leigh here." He pointed out.
"Really?" I asked, sort of interested. "Bob, are you ok?" I touched his neck and forehead to see if his temperature's up.
Bob let my hand down, "Of, course, Leigh, I am. And you're not dreaming. This is real. But..."
"What?"
"..I'm not stupid!" Bob replied to his defense.
Then, we both laughed.
"I'm happy for you. Finally, my best friend is growing up to be a beautiful lady,"Bob congratulated me and hugged me.
And me? Do I look happy? Nah, boy, I was sure surprised!
"Hey, get real!" Bob said as if he's reading my mind. "You'll get used to it."
"Maybe," I have this mixed feelings inside. But I'm really not so sure.
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That evening, mom and dad were going out to see a movie. So that means, I have to babysit my younger brother, Carl, who's only 7, for the night. Our housekeeper's not available, so I told mom it's ok if I keep an eye on him. We were on the den. Carl's on the sofa, watching cartoons, while I'm sitting at a comfy chair nearby, doing my homework.
"Leigh," mom told me as she picked up her coat. "Don't forget to give Carl his glass of milk."
"Sure, mom, no prob," I replied without even looking up. I was busy scribbling down notes on my assignment.
"Good night, sweetheart," dad said as they were about to close the door.
"Good night, daddy," My lil brother ran after them to the door. My dad gave him a hug.
"Good night, sweetie," mom kissed Carl. I stood and went to them. My mom kissed my forehead.
"Bye, hon. Good night," mom said. "Take care of yourselves. Be responsible, ok?"
"I know, mom, " I rolled my eyes. "Night, mom and dad! Enjoy!"
They stepped outside and I closed the door. I went back to my homework and placed it on the table. I sat at the chair. My baby brother also went back to the sofa and watched tv.
"Go to bed by 7:30, ok?" I told Carl.
"That's too early," he protested. "It's only..." he looked at his digital watch, "7:15."
"Nope, it's not early. Rules are rules. Only 15 minutes to go and you'll be up on your room," I said. "Mom would get mad if she finds out I let you sleep late."
"But..." he insisted.
"No, buts!" I interrupted him. Then, he shut up. That's what I like about my brother. He's really kind and obedient at all times but sometimes he's really cranky.
After a few minutes, the phone rang. I stood up and answered it.
"Hello? Good evening," I answered, watching over my brother's back.
"Hi, cutie!" Bob. I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, it's you, Bob," I said as a matter-of-factly. "What's up?"
"Well, I'll drop by," he said.
"But it's..." I answered.
"That's ok. I'll only visit. Bye."
"But..."
Click!
Bob hang up.
"No, buts," my little brother replied back.
I looked at him quizzically and I placed the phone on its handset.
Less than a minute, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," I said to no one in particular. It just started to rain.
"Hi," Bob smiled and stepped inside. He was kind of wet from the raindrops.
"Hi, Bob, you're so fast," I noticed he looked cute that night. "So, come on in."
I led him inside. It was uneasy standing there.
"Hey, it's Bob!" Carl shrieked. I just looked at them.
"Hi Carl,"Bob sat next to him and smiled.
"I'll just get some towels," I replied.
"What are you watching?" I heard Bob asked.
"Tom and Jerry," my brother answered, focusing on the cartoon.
"Oh, ok."
I went to the bathroom. I took a nice, white towel out of our cabinet.
Then, I went to give it to Bob.
"Thanks," Bob said as he took the towel out of my hand. Our hands touched. I felt a bolt of electricity went up my spine.
What is that?! I thought.
We just looked at each other and Bob looked at me again and said, "Thanks, Leigh. Thanks again."
"No, prob," I just walked behind him and went back to my homework.
What's wrong with me? Bob's my best friend. I thought as I sat.
"So, can I help you with your homework?"
"Huh?" Bob startled me. He was standing behind me.
"I said, can I help you with your homework?"
"No, thanks. I can manage," I said, as I scribbled something on my notes. Focus, Leigh. Concentrate, please.
"Ok, whatever you say," Bob replied. Then, he sat right next to me.
"Did I disturb you?"
Isn't it obvious?! I answered to myself. "Not really. I just wanted to finish this notes in AP," I answered without even looking at his direction.
"Ok," Bob said. Then, I can feel him, looking at me.
"What?" I asked, irritated.
"Nothing," he replied. "You're cute while writing."
"Haha," I joked. "I got no money, dude. And haven't we talked about this 'cute' thing all ready?"
"I'm not joking really," Bob replied with a smile.
"Yeah, whatever," then I went back to my notes. We both fell silent. Then, I suddenly remembered my little brother.
I stood and turned off the TV.
"Ok, Carl," I clapped. "Time to get your glass of milk."
"You sound too superior," he mumbled. "You're no fun."
He stood and went to the kitchen.
Bob stood beside me, "You sound like a mom."
"I'm not," I objected. "Those are the rules. I just have this given 'responsibilities' fyi," then I went back to the table, leaving him staring at me in amusement.
Then, he also went and sat beside me.
My brother Carl returned with a glass of milk. He sat at the other end of the table, looking at us.
"Finish it up, then, go to bed, ok?" I commanded him. "But please don't forget to brush your teeth."
"Yes, ok, Leigh," he muttered and silently drank his milk.
"You're a great sis,"Bob smiled at me, but I returned to my writing.
"I'm done!" few minutes later, my brother replied. He placed his glass on the table.
"Good," I said, managing to look up.
Then, my little brother stood and ran up to his room.
I looked at the empty glass, so, I stood to get it so I could place it on the kitchen sink. But just as then, Bob reached for my hand.
"Leigh, can I?" he asked, looking deep into my eyes. I looked at him, surprised.
"What?" I asked nonchalantly. I noticed his warm beautiful eyes, and just like magic, our heads seem to tilt closer to each other. I can feel his warm breath gettin' close to my lips. His hand placing the glass back to the table and his hands stroking my hair.
Go on, just try what it feels like to kiss him. I said to myself. I can feel my knees getting numb.
"Hey, Leigh!" my brother interrupted.
Puff! Just like magic, the moment was gone!
"What?" I asked. Bob and I looked at him. I was so embarrassed, my little brother have to see us in that way. (I know Bob felt embarrassed too coz he looked at me and blushed)
That was so close! So close of kissing Bob, my boyfriend, I mean, best friend. I thought to myself. I think I'm gonna puke at the idea of kissing him.
"Aren't you gonna tuck me in?" Carl asked with a knowing look.
"All right, all right," Glad to have the awkward situation, broken. "I'll just place this at the kitchen sink." I referred to the glass on top of the table. Thank God for the escape!
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"Uhm, Bob, sorry you didn't get to kiss her?" I heard Carl said. Pretty snooty, lil bro.
I guess Bob said something but I can't hear it.
I returned and looked at Bob, but his face returned a blank stare.
I went up to my brother's room and tucked him in. I smoothed the bed's blankets.
"Good night, Carl," I said as I patted my lil brother's shoulder. I placed some pillows beside him.
"G'night, Ms. Smooch," my brother joked.
I laughed, "Don't forget to pray." Then I switched off the lights and I stepped outside.
I returned to the den and saw Bob looking through some old family pictures... again. Yup! He'd seen those pictures a thousand times. I don't know, I guess he doesn't get bored with it.
I just sat to my chair and continued reading my notes. What is he doing in here anyway? I asked myself.
Bob sat right next to me again, holding the album containing our pictures together for over the years. "You know, " he spoke to get my attention. "This was funny." He pointed to our picture when we were little. It was our picture when we were 8 and we were soaked by my mom's sprinklers.
I looked and said, "Yeah, just like we're singing in the rain. It was pretty hilarious," then, I wrote back again.
The tension tonight was so different. It felt like he wanted to say something but he can't release it.
"This, too," he pointed to a picture of the 5 of us. Scott, the triplets and me. It was the triplets 7th birthday and on the picture, Scott and Dave were holding down a balloon, I was somewhat shy with an icing on my nose, Bob and Clint were holding each other's faces.
I looked up again and said, "Yup,it's pretty funny!"
Then, Bob flipped through the pages and he landed on the page where the 4 of them were wearing matching outfits and I was the only one wearing a dress.
"This was our first gig," Bob answered.
"Yup," I said. "It was pretty cool!"
Then, he flipped through the pages again and landed on the page ouf our Junior High dance. I can't believe it was taken only 2 years ago. On the picture, Bob and I were holding each other's hands on the dance. I simply forgot how innocent we were on that picture. I remembered that was one happy moment for us coz Bob's date actually got pissed by her ex-boyfriend and didn't show up at the dance. Since I don't have any date, Bob and I went there together... as friends. Yup, as friends, that's we were always be.
We are really friends. I reminded myself. Why don't have I those mixed feelings for him before like now?
"And this is our first formal dance," he smiled at me. The formal dance was taken last year. Bob received an invitation as guest to the prom and he took me as his date.
I didn't smile back. I don't know what's wrong with me this past few days. It seems like I'm not my usual self.
"Yeah," I just answered silently. Then, I went back to work. I noticed he's looking at me.
Silence come between us.
"Bob," I interrupted. I put down my ballpen. "Please, is there something wrong? It looks like something's bothering you. Would you mind telling me? I can't concentrate on my work if you're like that."
Bob looked at me sadly and said, "Actually, there is. There's something I wanted to tell you."
"Ok, spill," I told him directly. "What's that?"
"But please don't get mad at me or something," Bob replied.
"Ok," Oh, gosh, please don't tell me, you...
"Remember our performance onstage for the past couple of days?" Bob looked straight at me.
"Yeah, what about?" I said half-disappointed. I was just being silly.
"Ok, listen," Bob sighed. "Remember I told you before a producer signed us up for the contract then came the recording?"
"Uh-huh," I nodded. "Yeah?"
"Well, we're going on a tour!" He said at last.
"Oh, wow! That's great!" I replied happily. "Then, when are we going? And why should I be so mad at you? That's great."
"No, Leigh," Bob said. "We're not going anywhere."
"But you said..." I looked at him, curious. Then, he shook his head and I got the picture.
"I'm sorry, Leigh," Bob replied as he bowed down his head.
"But why?" I felt tears beginning to roll out of my eyes.
"It's just that , the recording co. said, it would only be our 'family'. No extensions," Bob shook his head. "I'm really sorry, Leigh. I thought we could be together on this tour but they said no. I hope you understand. I do feel really bad about this."
"Oh, Bob," Then it hit me. That means, Bob and I will be separated... for the first time.
Bob just shook his head.
"I do understand but..." I can't go on w/o you. Hot tears sprang down my eyes like the rain falling down.
"Oh, no, Leigh," Bob hugged me. "Please don't do that. I mean, we're still going to see each other. It's only a tour. We'll be back after 3 months."
"I know but it means goodbye for now, right?" My tears continued to flow.
"No," Bob assured me. "It's only a while. We'll still see each other believe me." Then, he stroked my hair.
"Oh, Bob," I just cried on his shoulder. Call me sentimental but I never felt like this before.
"Leigh," he stroked my hair and whispered, "I know we're going to miss each other but the only thing you could do for me right now is to be happy... for our success."
I looked up to him with teary eyes and said, "I am happy for you."
"Then, why are you crying?" Bob joked, he wiped the tears off my face.
"Practically, tears of joy!" I answered and tried to smile. He placed his hand on my chin and said, "That's more like it."
"When are you going?" I asked between sobs.
"This Friday," he answered. He handed me a tissue from the cushion table and I blew my nose.
"Well, God bless you," I just told him.
"Thanks," Bob replied. "I need that." He smiled.
"Well, tell me more," I requested him.
"Well, it's just that after taping the videos 'I'll Be There For You' , 'Misery' our records has been immediately sold out in Europe and Asia," Bob said.
"Wow, that's great! Congrats!"I said trying to be cheerful.
"Leigh, please stop," Bob said. "You know I don't want to see you sad. I'm still here for you."
Those words should have made me happy. "But I'm just worried," I said.
"Why?"
"Because it's gonna be different when you come back," I concluded for him.
"Don't say that!" Bob gasped.
"Believe me, it will. Or you will or I will. Sooner or later, we'll never know each other anymore," I said dramatically.
"No, don't say that," Bob replied. "Ok, let's make a deal."
"What?" I eased a little.
"Ok," Bob continued. "Let's exchange something that would make us the best of friends until we come back. Ok, ladies first."
"Ok," I said. "Here's my string necklace, wear it always as a sign of my friendship." I unlock the necklace, which has 'L' on its pendant, off my neck and placed it on Bob's neck.
"Thank you," Bob smiled. "This is nice. And here's my bracelet, wear this always to remember me and as a sign of my friendship to you."
"Thanks. Deal?" I asked.
"Deal!" Bob said as he looked at me.
We stared at each other for a while and suddenly our heads tilted close to each other again. I don't know how it happened. But I know it came so fast. We closed the deal with a kiss. I closed my eyes and I felt his lips moved to my lips. Our kiss tasted sweet and kind of salty from my tears. I can't explain it but it felt so good. I felt goosebumps go down my arms and spine.
So, this is what it feels like to kiss Bob, I told myself. My best friend...ohmigosh!
Then, I moved back. Kind of surprised and shocked. Bob looked the same. We did it.Uh-oh. What if we fall in love?
"I'm sorry," Bob replied softly.
So, I just said, "Would you still be wearing it when you come back?"
"Of course, I do," Bob smiled. "It's for the whole world to know. You gave it to me. I will never forget that or you."
"So, do I," I smiled."I'll never forget you,"and that kiss.
"Best Friends for keeps?" he asked.
"Yes, best friends for good!" I answered back.
But it doesn't feel like to say best friends anymore. Now, that we have shared something more.
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Thursday night, we held a little Farewell Party for The Moffatts at their spacious backyard. We had grill, music and a little dancin' around. Our neighbors and some friends were there. We even had a little program to say our deepest concern, gratitude, appreciation and a toast for them and their success.
I'm counting the hours till Bob and I will go on our separate ways. We danced on a slow song but it hurted so much coz we'll part ways the next day.
The Moffatts talked on some of their speeches. Dave was really funny. He's trying to keep his cool by saying some jokes as if they'll never go. He said he's really excited to visit new spots and meet cute girls. Scott said it's all a new beginning for all of us. Because the next thing we'll be hearing from them, they're conquering the world. I know Scott said it as a joke but it only made things worst for me. That means, Bob and I will be disconnected farther away. Clint said to don't worry coz home is where the heart really is. And Bob said we'll all see each other again. (And I believe that!)
My mom took some last group pictures and we all danced the night away. It was fun but how I wish Bob would stay...
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Friday did came. The Moffatts were all set to go. The van was packed with their things and I stopped by to say good bye.
I saw Bob talking to Clint.
"Bob?" I asked. "Got any minute?"
"Sure," he smiled. He hopped off the van. "For a while, Clint."
"Take your time, man," Clint joked.
"So?" Bob asked first with a smile.
"So?" I asked back.
"OK, I will miss you," Bob replied with concern.
"Me, too, Bob," I replied. Yep, truly I will miss him. 3 months would be so long.
"Thanks," Bob looked at me. "Mingle with our other friends ok? So, you won't miss me that badly."
"Ok," I replied. But I know I can't.I looked at him uncertainly.
"It's only 3 months, Leigh," Bob urged. "Before you know it, we'll be back in no time."
"I know, Bob," holding him at the arms.
"Ready to go?" Uncle Frank, their father, called.
"For a minute, dad," Bob replied back.
"Make it quick, man," Scott said over the window.
"We'll gonna be late," Clint added the closed the window.
"Ok," Bob said. "So..."
I said, "Goodbye, Bob. See yah after 3 months."
"Yep," Bob replied. "Goodbye, Leigh. See yah after 3 months."
Then, we hugged each other close.
"Please don't cry," Bob whispered softly in my ear. "I'll be gone for 3 months."
"Whoohoo!" Scott teased as they opened the tinted window again.
Then, we both laughed.
"Goodbye, guys! God bless you on your tour! Make it great, ok!?!" I told them optimistically.
"Thanks! Goodbye, Leigh," they answered and opened the sliding door for Bob. Bob hopped in.
"I'll write you letters, I'll call you, e-mail you," Bob waved
"Ok," I said, holding back tears. I waved back.
"LD relationship! Whoohoo!" Dave commented. LD is short termed for Long-Distance relationship. I hope it works.
Then, the engine started and I stepped back a little. I waved again.
Then, to my surprise, Bob stepped out of the van, and held out a big white teddy bear.
"This is for you," Bob exhaled. "Sorry, I almost forgot."
"Thanks," I'm so touched by his thoughtfulness.
"Take care of it, ok? Hug it when you miss me, ok?" He smiled at me. "Maybe I'll feel the hug. This is your friend for a while."
I laughed, "Sure, Bob."
"Bye, Leigh, please don't look back," then he gave me a quick peck on the cheek. Then, he stepped again inside the van.
I sadly looked at the bear and waved again to the tinted van.
Then, they opened the window and waved back. I can hear Scott, Clint and Dave taunting him, "Ooh, I love you, Leigh" noises.
Then, the van hit the road. Becoming smaller and smaller in view. I started to walk toward my house and silently mumbled, "Bob, bye."
I don't feel like going to school that day.